Craft Beer: Land & Sea Hit New Heights
Noosa’s craft brewery, Land & Sea, have only been open for only 18-months but there’s no rest for this entrepreneurial bunch. From opening the first Noosa distillery to Fighting for the Bight, Jolene Ogle discovers these guys have been busy.
The very much anticipated Noosa Beer & Noosa Brewing Company opened their doors and launched their popular Land & Sea craft beers back in 2018 and since then they haven’t stopped. They’ve completed almost 150 brews and have added ten awards to their trophy cabinet, including seven silver medals and three bronze for their beers in the categories of Pilsener; Australian Pale Ale; and European Ale to name a few.
Not one to rest on their laurels, they have a number of collaborations under their belt with locals such as Thomas Bexon of Thomas Surfboards and a special brew that generates proceeds for the Great Australian Bight Alliance.
Land & Sea is also home to a restaurant famous for its homemade sauces, gourmet junk and vegan menu as well as Noosa’s first distillery turning out a range of spirits from gin to vodka; white malt and other collaborations. Hundreds of beer lovers have poured through the doors for an exclusive brewery tour and a few lucky couples have been married below the sky-high vats.
When reflecting on the last 18-months, Land & Sea owner Tim Crabtree said it had been a time of growth, problem solving and achievements.
“We are so proud of what we have created,” he said. “We are a locally-owned and run a business with more than 25 like-minded staff who have a strong connection to Noosa and our natural environment; this is pivotal in the development of our business. Our goal when we started remains the same today: To be as close to carbon neutral as possible.”
To boost their green credentials, Land & Sea have installed over 80 solar panels on the roof to power the brewhouse and a water tank for the plants and for cleaning. The spent grain is used as a by-product in the kitchen and any leftovers are sent to local farmer Al who uses it to feed his cattle.
“We live and breathe Noosa and want to promote this forever,” Tim enthuses.
This ethos is clearly displayed in the brewery’s modern style with an abundance of natural light, soaring ceilings, warm timbers and sleek concrete all combining to create a cool eatery perfectly suited to everything from Friday knock-offs to family-friendly gatherings with a full menu available from 10am on weekends.
For the kids or kids-at-heart, the pinball machines and classic motorbikes add a fun touch and there are two big fireplaces ready for these cold winter nights. A new winter menu with lamb shanks and vegan ramen is sure to remove any winter chills.
Also housed in this spectacular brewery is the region’s first distillery, Noosa Heads Distillery, home of Fortune Fine Spirits. This burgeoning brand embraces Land & Sea’s sense of adventure as well as the class and refinement needed to produce delectable spirits.
“Proudly craft and proudly Noosa, we endeavour to make all our spirits using local ingredients to produce drinks and experiences for the Noosa environment,” Tim explains.
“Our spirits are created with fine classic cocktails in mind, yet are unique enough to have their own personality, offering the consumer their own adventure.”
The distillery’s 2,000-litre copper pot still is a striking statement, standing as a beacon for fellow gin lovers. Since launching earlier this year, Fortune Fine Spirits have already collaborated with Sum Yung Guys and Peter Phillips to create unique gins, as well as working with us here at IN Noosa to create a bespoke Noosa gin using local botanicals sourced by Nick Blake of Wild Forage Australia.
“Every ounce of gin is bottled by hand and labelled by hand, a labour of love,” Tim said.
If it’s time for a trip to Land & Sea, you will be treated to 16 beers on tap, a delicious menu with locally-sourced, fresh dishes and a wide range of cool merchandise to choose from including an environmentally-friendly 950ml or 1.8 Litre growler bottles with refills starting from $12; with 15% off on Fridays.
“Made of glass, we pump C02 inside the growler to remove oxygen and stop it going flat, then you can choose to fill with any of our beers on tap. Take home, pop it in the fridge, drink, wash and repeat!” Tim said.
The crew have just started doing brewery tours starting from $35 with a beer tasting paddle and a schooner of choice; distillery tours start at $45 with a tasting paddle and a highball, or the combined brewery and distillery tour is $55 which includes a beer and distillery tasting paddle.
What’s next for the adventurous entrepreneurs? There is always something happening from trivia and comedy nights to the upcoming “The Darkest Day” celebrating the winter solstice on 22 June with four special release black beers, succulent roast duck, charcoal potatoes and more! Tim did just buy a rather large movie screen and their facebook page is always full of new and exciting events. Keep an eye on these guys, they are always brewing something!
